Sunday Words of Encouragement December 26, 2021

We attended church online again this morning, visiting three different services! Our pastor concluded his sermon series “Heaven is Here!”

At Christmas time we look for the label and the name on the gift. We are looking for something special just for us. Our name is special; we like to be called by our name. Our name is personal, it means something, and belongs to us. We may hear it used different ways – in love, in anger or a myriad ways in between.

The Bible has a lot to say about names. There are lots of genealogies because names matter. It provides history and lineage. Through history, names often signified what you did for a living, but we are not governed by that today.

Luke 2:21-35 ‘… the baby… was named Jesus…’ verse 21. Simeon recognized the baby as the special gift. “I’ve seen your salvation.” Simeon had encountered the Holy Spirit. He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. Luke 2:25-32.

The Spirit will lead us if we allow Him; He may be specific or general. We must be willing to follow and wait even if we don’t know what will happen.

The Point: Your name and what you are known for matters a lot!

The name of Jesus/Yeshua matters a lot. It means ‘to deliver or rescue’. Jesus told Zacchaeus “Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:9-10.

Jesus’ purpose is to bring/give salvation. To bring deliverance and hope.

Each of us has been given a purpose by God. We have been given Salvation/Jesus so we can live our life for a purpose – to fullness. John 10:10.

What spiritual harvest are you yielding? Jesus is the gift from God to You. That is the gift label.

There are some places we don’t want our name like an IRS audit list or a traffic ticket. But we do want our name written in the Book of Life which is the list of those who have been savesd. You would like there to be something good written with your name. “All were judged by the works they had done…” Revelation 20:12-15.

Don’t you want your name written with good things you did: people you helped, people you impacted, and things that matter?  Your name will be known for something or many somethings.

Whatever time we have left, we get to decide if our name is written in The Book of Life and what we will be known for.
What you do, what you produce in spiritual fruit, matters.
What will your name be known for?

I had a couple of song choices this morning and chose this one: His Name Shall Be.

Verses for Today:
Luke 2:29-32 NIV
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

Lord, forgive me for the many times I failed to produce spiritual fruit and help me to be more productive for You and Your Kingdom.

Merry Christmas 2021

I have been busy with family here at home but I have been thinking of all my blog world family too.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts today and always!

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 24, 2021

Happy Friday! 1 days night until Christmas!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

Sorry this post is late. We have the Illinois family in and I was busy playing games with the grandkids and wrapping gifts late at night. I totally forget to get this post ready and then we celebrated Christmas dinner today so that all grands could be here together. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all!

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the December 17, 2021 Pick. There was no automatic win last week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked last week.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 17, 2021 Pick:
CHRISTY gets Eye of the World
AND
MIKI gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Are you wrapped in a good book!
Image found at Pinterest SchoolsLibrarayDisplays.

New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
(Pair) Dreaming of You and Promises of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
What We Find by Robyn Carr
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
The Hollows by Ben Larken
Robbie Taggart: Highland Sailor by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella
Storm Sisters: Friends Through All Seasons by Afton Rovrik (Hardback)
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three Audio CD Books:

Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale
A Summer of Firsts by Susan Wiggs and Sarah Morgan
Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
Christmas on 4th Street: An Anthology by Susan Mallery
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Vortex by Robert Charles Wilson

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
Anne of Green Gables by Montgomery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
The Sinister Pig by Tony Hillerman Audiobook

PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence
Inner Harbor and
Chesapeake Blue


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls

New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018-
All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,386 books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, TWRP, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors, your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

I did enjoy this fun, steampunk romance.

The Brass Queen
By: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 12-01-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one. In a steam-powered world, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. Selling firearms under her alias, the “Brass Queen”, she has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy J.F. Trusdale saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world as they know it will disappear before their eyes.
If you like the Parasol Protectorate or Invisible Library series, you’ll love this gaslamp fantasy - a rambunctious romantic romp that will have you both laughing out loud and wishing you owned all of Miss Haltwhistle's armaments.
©2021 Elizabeth Chatsworth (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Constance is not your usual Victorian miss, and not even a usual bluestocking. She is a young woman raised with science in her blood and genes. Her father has secretly moved into an alternate world to be with his wife who is alive there, though dead in Constance’s world. Constance has had free reign and the responsibility of maintaining her family estate, complete with fields, servants, and hidden laboratories. She has sold her steampunk inventions and firearms with the help of her mentor, another female scientist. But Constance’s Uncle is threatening to demolish the full estate if her father has not shown himself or if she fails to marry in three days.

Constance hosts a huge ball in an effort to locate a last-minute husband. Unfortunately, the ball is ruined when an airship drops a cage and kidnaps the three primary scientists using the three warrior autonomans which should have been unattainable. Constance has been rescued by a brash, but daring, American, J. F. Truesdale. Although they both are holding secrets, they will need each other to help if they want to rescue the scientists. Along the way, they uncover a plan of assassination and now have to get a warning out as well as completing their rescue mission.

The story is on the zany side but both Constance and Truesdale are lovely characters, and I was glad for the friendship that developed between them. I enjoyed the various inventions and the creativity with which the author equipped her protagonists to solve puzzles along the way. I would like to read more by Ms. Chatsworth. I recommend this to fans of steampunk and/or Victorian romance with unconventional characters.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job of narrating. She has her own style which fit with the mix of dry and snarky humor in this story. I appreciated receiving this title in audio to enjoy.

Source: 11/28/21 Audible Code from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021 Review goals.

Sunday Post December 19, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 20, 2021

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We are getting the house ready for family visit. (Our cleaning lady is a true blessing!) Hubby and I are struggling to feel totally healthy. I've been listening to Christian Christmas music for an hour or two today and that has helped my soul.

♪'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'♫.

I did not make any holiday parties this week except our office.

Our temps will be cooler this week at 40 to 76 (Christmas day). We will have one cold night at 35.

It feels like I am not getting much reading done even though I enjoyed my listening. I did finish two audiobooks. I posted one review and my usual memes.

I only visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to BEWARE THE READER. Sophie says “I fell in love with books when I was a very young child. My father was always reading in his free time. I was Daddy’s Girl determined to be all grown up.”

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 12, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 13, 2021.

• A2021- Audible Book Review: Deathbeast by David Gerrold; Genre: Sci Fi, Time Travel, Vintage; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 17, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/23/2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 19, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

The Brass Queen
By: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
I did enjoy this fun, steampunk romance.
Source: 11/28/21 Audible Code from narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Every Day in December
By: Kitty Wilson
Narrated by: Katy Sobey, Joe Jameson
Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
This has a bit of drama but it is a very nice romance for two injured souls.
Source: 11/30/2021 Audible Book Sale $5.00
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 11 h 1 min
I felt the need for some action.
I am liking this at about 3 hours in.
Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit
Summary:
A Hugo Award winner and best-selling author, Charles Stross combines the best elements of science fiction and fantasy. In The Atrocity Archives, a lowly computer geek working for a secret British intelligence agency gets promoted to field service after accidentally saving lives in a disaster. Now he's faced with saving the universe using only his smarts and a disembodied hand that renders him invisible. Stross' award-winning novella, The Concrete Jungle, is also included.

With only a two weeks left in the year, I hope to get in one more Christmas book and not sure what else.
I am trying to decide on my First Book of the Year which is bouncing from spiritual to political choices. I think the spiritual will win out.

Whenever: ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
Not much progress again this week. I am likely to set aside kindle reading until I can make it easier on phone or tablet. We'll see. 
Source: 2012 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

December 19, 2021 - I continue on track. We have been going through the minor prophets and hit Micah which has my favorite verse: Micah 6:8.  I continue to love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No more studies planned for 2021.

I completed two books for reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has two old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. Looks like they will go into 2022.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I purchased 4 Chirp audiobooks.

I picked my two November Audible credit titles and added a whisper sync for $1.99.
I only got one Kindle book so I can buy the Audible soon.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/18/2021 A Whisper Sync choice for $1.99 and Two November Audible Credits.
I choose two new to me authors and all three new to me series.

Find Me
Inland Empire, Book 1
By: Anne Frasier
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 07-01-20 $1.99

At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20

2050: Psycho Island, Book 1
By: Phil M. Williams
Narrated by: Tristan Wright, Sarah Grace Wright, GraceWright Productions
Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 04-03-20

12/16/2021 Four titles at Chirp for $8.96.

Seven Sons Ranch Boxed Set
by Liz Isaacson
Read by Teri Clark Linden
Run Time 23h 5min
$19.99 $2.99

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson
Run Time 9h 36min
$24.99 $2.99

Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries - Books 1-6
by Katherine Hayton
Read by Sara Morsey
Run Time 17h 45min
$24.95 $0.99

The Clause in Christmas
by Rachael Bloome
Read by E.L. Beckett
Run Time 8h 15min
$14.99 $1.99

Free

Black Autumn: Surviving the Crash (The Black Autumn Series Book 1)

Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross
I plan to get this series in audio so I was glad to get book 1 for free.

Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.